The perfect Crystal Palace and Liverpool swap deal which could really help both sides this summer - opinion
FA Cup winners Crystal Palace have had a tough job keeping star names this summer
It’s part and parcel of being one of the so-called ‘smaller’ teams in the Premier League that if a club manages to reach new heights, invariably top clubs come in for their best players in an attempt to convince them of bigger things.
That has been the reality for Crystal Palace this summer, as the 2025 FA Cup winners have had to fight off interest in the likes of Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi from all corners. Daniel Munoz has also publicly revealed his desire to leave. Few players have arrived at the club as of yet, indicating that it may be a busy final six weeks of the window for the Selhurst Park club.
Premier League champions Liverpool are one of the sides to have shown a consistent desire to take Palace to the negotiating table, along with the likes of Arsenal. Another major transfer story surrounding the Reds has emerged in recent days, but there still could be a way for both sides to get a good deal out of it.
Major Crystal Palace and Liverpool swap deal could be on the cards
Liverpool are reported to be after Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and could make an offer for the 28-year-old, with the Reds’ No.9 position still up for grabs amidst the uncertain future of Darwin Nunez. Liverpool are said to have met with Mateta’s representatives in Paris, with a previous price tag quoted to be around the £40m - £50m mark according to The Mirror.
Palace will be reluctant to lose one of their star men, particularly amidst reports that the Reds are planning a double swoop involving Mateta and club captain Guehi. The Eagles may have a bargaining chip up their sleeve, though, and could demand that Harvey Elliott be used as part of a deal for Mateta.
Elliott is widely expected to seek a move elsewhere for his development this summer, with the belief existing that he could explode into a top Premier League player if he is given the chance to start and be a key player away from Anfield - and Palace should certainly be open to be his ideal next step.
Jean-Phillippe Mateta and Harvey Elliott swap deal could work out for all
Palace would be faced with the difficult task of replacing a striker who has scored 30 Premier League goals in two seasons. But if they can manage to do that successfully, they could arguably have the better end of the deal in the long run.
Elliott is also believed to be valued at just over £40m by Liverpool, so a straight swap for Mateta could be a good option. There is a six-year age gap between Mateta, 28, and Elliott, 22, and the Englishman could yet be sold on for far more if he takes his game to the next level.
The Eagles have previously been interested in Elliott and are likely more than aware that he could be an ideal Eze replacement if their talismanic playmaker does depart. This could urge the South London club to ensure they take the chance to secure Elliott while they can, before he is picked up by someone else. This may mean reluctantly negotiating an exit for Mateta while securing a bright young talent for now and for the future.